Anthony Nolan

Anthony Nolan Saving lives through stem cells. Welcome to our page. We have created this page for you to share comments, feedback, questions, photos and videos.

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“Donating has changed my life, whilst giving someone else a chance to live- what more could you do to make a difference ...
02/04/2026

“Donating has changed my life, whilst giving someone else a chance to live- what more could you do to make a difference than that?”

“There was an initial hesitation when I got the call up as a potential donor. For starters I am not a fan of blood and needles, and I questioned whether I want to put my body through such a procedure. But after those first thoughts, I was overcome with a sense of purpose and desire to do it.

The most daunting step ahead of donation were the G-CSF injections which play a fundamental part to being able to produce all those good stems on donation day. I have never been excited for injections, and even less so when I realised that I would administer them myself (other options were made available to me). However, I was able to administer the injections as required and possibly got over my fear of needles!”

The donation has been the proudest thing I have ever done and feel blessed that I was able to be part of giving someone a chance to live a longer life.”

A big thank you to James for putting his own fears aside to help a stranger in need.
Thinking of joining the stem cell register? As James says:

“I encourage anyone eligible to sign up the stem cell register; it's truly the best decision I have ever made. The larger the register, the more lives that could be saved.”

“I wanted to meet, maybe two or three people that understood. What we got was mind-blowing. I met so many amazing famili...
02/04/2026

“I wanted to meet, maybe two or three people that understood. What we got was mind-blowing. I met so many amazing families. I thought, oh my god, there's a community here that I didn't realise existed, it was amazing.”

Cordelia and her family have been to Family Camp for four years now. Her twins Tomi and Tobi both needed stem cell transplants, and their older brother was their donor on both occasions – so finding likeminded people who understand exactly what each member of her family has been through has been tough.

“It’s my own time of respite, no cooking, no running around. It’s amazing. There is a sense of belonging and likeminded people there. I've met long-term friends, we meet up outside of camp, we support each other. I look forward to coming every year and I will keep coming until I am not allowed anymore!”

“My older kids love meeting other siblings that also don't have challenge but live with their siblings that do. They understand each other,” she says. “I have always struggled with this, the children with challenge always need more attention, but that doesn’t mean I love my older kids less, being with other children in the same position means they see that's true for them too. They love the archery too.”

For Tobi, camp has also marked a visible journey of recovery.

“When Tobi first came, he had just had his transplant, after being diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, moyamoya, thalassemia and a stroke. Tobi never believed that there were other children going through all of these until we came to camp. Then when we went to Family Camp, the most special part was that I would ask other families which child had the transplant - unless we asked, we would never have known.”

Now, she says, “Tobi is that child now, you would never know what he’s been through.”

For families wondering whether to apply, Cordelia’s advice is simple:

“Do the application, come and interact, ask questions, be free. The friendship and memories you will make from these few days will never be forgotten.”

Family Camp is a weekend residential for families of children who have had, or are preparing to have a stem cell transplant or CAR-T cell therapy – and you’ll be joined by medical and nursing volunteers to give you that peace of mind you need.

This year, it runs from 25th to 27th September, in partnership with Over The Wall Camp.

Find out more and apply today: https://www.anthonynolan.org/patients-and-families/opportunities-and-experiences/family-camp

“I always think – if I can give a moment of fun, comfort or support then I have done something positive.”   🎉 We’re so e...
01/04/2026

“I always think – if I can give a moment of fun, comfort or support then I have done something positive.”

🎉 We’re so excited to introduce the lovely Becky – the very first Anthony Nolan–funded play specialist, thanks to the generous support of the Hazel Patricia Yates Charitable Foundation.

Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS and Charity are delighted to welcome Becky to their Haematology and Oncology Department – the Principal Treatment Centre for children with cancer and leukaemia across South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire.

Becky will support children undergoing complex treatments including stem cell transplants. Her role will be incredibly valuable for patients who must isolate during transplant, as well as for sibling donors.

Becky shares:
“Play helps children understand what’s happening to them, cope with their emotions, and feel more in control. It lets us make hospital feel a little less scary, a little more normal, and a lot more child‑friendly.”

“I wish more people understood that play isn’t ‘just toys’. It’s how children build resilience, make sense of the world, and still find moments of joy.”

“For example, I saw a young patient was so frightened about their scans. We took our time, built trust, and worked through it together. Over three days, they managed every single scan. I was so proud – and I know it’s a moment that will stay with me.”

“I want families to feel comforted, supported and cared for. I’m excited to build a role that becomes an essential part of the transplant journey.”

At Sheffield Children’s, play is central to care – helping children feel safe, confident and in control during treatment. Working alongside clinical teams, Becky will use play to reduce anxiety, prepare children for procedures and support families throughout the transplant journey.

“Although I have no memories of my father, I am very much like him. I play the same position in rugby, I study engineeri...
31/03/2026

“Although I have no memories of my father, I am very much like him. I play the same position in rugby, I study engineering like him, I have the same blue eyes and grin, and I share his passion for long distance running. It is as if he is passing the baton to me to follow in his footsteps, and run the London marathon in aid of Anthony Nolan.”

Today we’re introducing you to Baxter, who is one of over 180 people taking on the TCS London Marathon in aid of Anthony Nolan! Baxter is a part of Marrow, our university volunteer groups, but he also has a much more personal connection to our lifesaving work.

“My father Major Leo Stanton was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1993 – just after returning from their honeymoon. He was just 27, and was an army officer, having recently returned from serving in the Gulf War.”

“My Dad had to undergo so much treatment – from chemotherapy and radiotherapy to three stem cell transplants, and the gruelling treatment resulted in him being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia – and on top of this he also needed open heart surgery.”

“I was born in 2006, and was considered something of a miracle baby. I would never have been born without my father’s donor coming forward – and my parents were so grateful to them for that.”

“My dad decided to run the London Marathon in 2007 in aid of Anthony Nolan, and to spread awareness for young men to join the stem cell register. Tragically, just prior to the marathon my father developed GvHD and he passed away when I was 17 months old.”

“I wouldn’t be here, if it wasn’t for my father’s stem cell donor twenty years ago – and that’s why I’m running the London Marathon.”

Today we’re pleased to say that NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) is recommending access to ferti...
31/03/2026

Today we’re pleased to say that NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) is recommending access to fertility preservation to be expanded to many more patients undergoing treatment, giving them more choice and agency over their future planning.

Until now, NICE’s recommendations on fertility preservation were limited to people undergoing cancer treatment - with no recommendations for those receiving treatment for non-malignant conditions.

This shift reflects what we’ve consistently heard from our community: fertility preservation matters to a wide range of people facing a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy – and it shouldn’t be dictated by whether their diagnosis is a cancer or blood disorder.

We’re pleased that NICE have taken our suggestions on board and encourage all Integrated Care Boards to adopt these updated guidelines and support more patients that need it.

🚨 PLEASE SHARE:   🚨 “Now we have a diagnosis we have to do something to help. There are so many other kids out there who...
30/03/2026

🚨 PLEASE SHARE: 🚨

“Now we have a diagnosis we have to do something to help. There are so many other kids out there who need a match, so we are sharing our experience for Ronnie and to educate people about the lifesaving potential of stem cell transplants.”

Baby Ronnie turned one last weekend, but is already facing one of the toughest situations anyone should have to face.

Having been diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia, a rare bone marrow disorder, Ronnie is now in need of a stem cell transplant as his best chance of survival.

His family are now calling on anyone eligible to join the stem cell register, and give someone just like their little boy another chance of life.

Ronnie’s mum Laura started to notice that Ronnie was bruising a lot, which she put down to him becoming more mobile. “He had only just started crawling, then three days later when I got him up, he had blood coming from his nose, blisters in his mouth, and red dots on his body.”

The family rushed baby Ronnie to Arrowe Park Hospital where doctors mentioned numerous potential conditions, until more tests revealed he had severe aplastic anaemia.

Now, Ronnie is in and out of hospital, receiving blood infusions twice a week and injections to stimulate bone marrow production, whilst he and his family wait for news of a matching donor.

“We’re sharing Ronnie’s story because we want people to get tested, if a match comes up for him then great, but a match for someone else, that’s amazing as well. Our aim is to raise awareness of aplastic anaemia; no one’s heard of it. And we want to raise awareness of the stem cell register too; how easy it is to join and how simple it is to donate your stem cells and save a life.”

💚 If you’re aged 16-30, you could be that lifesaving match someone like Ronnie is waiting for. Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4tmc8g2

🔁 Over 30 or unable to sign up? Please share this post far and wide

“I couldn’t imagine not going through with the donation, especially now being a mum- I couldn’t bear the idea that someo...
27/03/2026

“I couldn’t imagine not going through with the donation, especially now being a mum- I couldn’t bear the idea that someone’s child could need my help, and it’s been an utter privilege to donate to them!”

Paediatric nurse Georgia joined the stem cell register at a nursing fair and had almost forgotten about signing up when she received a call over 10 years later, that she was a potential match for someone in need of a transplant.

Without hesitation she agreed to donate and her lifesaving journey started.

“I cannot believe how smooth and efficient the process was. I had a nurse come to my house to take bloods and confirm I was in fact a match, a day in London for a medical to check I was fit and well, then my injections leading up to the donation.

On donation day, the nurses were so attentive at the London clinic and after 6 hours, 4 litres of blood had been taken out, the stem cells filtered out and replaced. I was able to donate the full amount needed in one day!”

Thank you to Georgia for stepping forward to give a stranger another chance at life. 💚

“We have now competed in three Transplant Games as a family and have all got involved! We have made new friends with fam...
26/03/2026

“We have now competed in three Transplant Games as a family and have all got involved! We have made new friends with families that have been through something similar, and have stayed in touch. It has now become an annual event in our calendar that we all look forward to.”

Cerys and her family joined Team AN at the Transplant Active - Home of the British Transplant Games after her son Owain had a stem cell transplant following a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia. The whole family, including Owain's sister Thea, attend the games every year, as a place to have fun together, and meet new people.

“Our son has always competed in a number of events and as a family we have always loved the Donor run. Last year, as well as doing the donor run with us, our daughter was confident enough to enter the mixed football too, which she loved!”

“Anthony Nolan are awesome and support the whole team throughout the whole 4 days. They are always there to answer questions, cheer the loudest and provide the extra accessories on the Donor Run!”

If you or a member of your family have been through a stem cell transplant, we’d love you to join Team AN at this year’s British Transplant Games. Taking place in Sheffield from 6-9th August, there is a whole range of inclusive events for children and adults of all abilities.

Find out more and register today: https://www.anthonynolan.org/patients-and-families/opportunities-and-experiences/british-transplant-games

“This year is our 25th wedding anniversary. I want to be able to toast each other on our golden wedding anniversary.” De...
26/03/2026

“This year is our 25th wedding anniversary. I want to be able to toast each other on our golden wedding anniversary.”

Debbie’s husband Kevin was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in November 2020. Now, they have been told that a treatment Kevin might need in the future may be removed by NICE (the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence) for use in England and Wales on the NHS.

“Kevin endured six months of aggressive chemotherapy and had a stem cell transplant in April 2021. We were told from the start that there was a 100% chance of Kevin’s cancer coming back. However, the magic phrase we wanted to hear, “cancer free” was uttered the following July.

“During his treatment, we heard about the CAR T-cell therapy Tecartus - the miracle that we could grasp and hold onto should he relapse.

“I cannot express how devastating it is that this lifeline might be removed. Kevin desperately wants to live. He needs to know that, as a last chance, Tecartus is there.”

No one, including Debbie and Kevin, should have a treatment taken away when it could be a lifeline for them and their family.

We, along with Blood Cancer UK and Lymphoma Action, have formally appealed the decision by NICE to remove the CAR T-cell therapy, Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel), as a treatment for mantle cell lymphoma in England and Wales. We will be attending an appeal hearing next week which will determine whether NICE will reconsider or uphold its position.

We know that this news can be difficult to read, so if you or a loved one are concerned by the potential removal of Tecartus as a treatment option, please do speak to your medical teams, or get in touch with our patient services team on 0303 303 0303, or at patientinfo@anthonynolan.org

“A fun-filled weekend for all the family can often be expensive, need lots of organisation or seem impossible when carin...
24/03/2026

“A fun-filled weekend for all the family can often be expensive, need lots of organisation or seem impossible when caring for child with a health condition."

"Step in Anthony Nolan and Over The Wall Camp. Two amazing charities who organise the accommodation, meals and age-appropriate activities for camp. There are also health professionals at hand to support with any medical needs and the best part of it all - is it's completely FREE!!”

Meet Laura, a clinical nurse specialist who works within stem cell transplants, and last year attended Family Camp as a nurse volunteer.

“The camp is designed to be inclusive, to allow children and adults the opportunity to be brave and courageous, through experiences such as archery and obstacle courses, or even learning circus skills. It's amazing how competitive Dads can be when it comes to mastering the art of plate spinning!”

“We are on hand to offer guidance and support - whatever stage of your transplant journey you and your family may be at. You are welcome to share as much or as little of your personal journey as you feel comfortable.”

If your family would benefit from time together, laughter, fun and the opportunity to make more memories (toasting marshmallows around a campfire is a great way to start) consider family camp - you may come away learning new songs, new skills and with lots of new friends!”

This year, Family Camp runs from 25-27th September. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4cwRlRA

“This is the first time we’ve known for sure that someone we helped to recruit has donated, and it’s just lovely. He's g...
23/03/2026

“This is the first time we’ve known for sure that someone we helped to recruit has donated, and it’s just lovely. He's given that person, whoever they are, the best chance. Whoever that person is and their family, they have hope.”

Julie set up Lincoln Friends to encourage more young people to join the stem cell register, after her granddaughter received a stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor, helping to successfully treat her leukaemia.

“A couple of years after her transplant, I said to my family, why don't we do something to support the charity. So, we set up one of the Friends groups and 11 years later we’re still going. I just thought, if we can raise money and encourage people to join the register we can make a difference.”

Over the past 11 years, Julie and the Lincoln Friends have been dedicated supporters, from coffee mornings and card sales to hosting recruitment drives - all to help grow the register.

Last year, they sprang into action again to support the appeal, helping search for a donor for a young mother from Lincoln. Equipped with Letterbox Lifesaver recruitment kits, they quickly stepped in and signed up local young people.

Among those who joined was Reuben, who learned more about the register through a friend of Julie’s granddaughter. Just months later, he received the call that he was a match for someone in need and agreed to donate.

“When we found out Reuben had come up as a match it was just incredible. We had 12 people sign up using the letterbox lifesavers kits, so it was a huge surprise that out of such a small number one person was a match.”

Julie’s dedication to growing the register played a direct role in giving someone a second chance at life, and is a powerful reminder that even small, local efforts can have an extraordinary impact.

Wanting to host your own recruitment event? Find out more about how you can become a letterbox lifesaver here: https://bit.ly/41te3TL

“When Anthony Nolan came to my school to sign people up to their register, I didn’t hesitate to add my name. My family h...
20/03/2026

“When Anthony Nolan came to my school to sign people up to their register, I didn’t hesitate to add my name.

My family has seen first-hand the effect of blood cancer and how crucial donors are, my grandad lost his battle with leukaemia in 2013 after many years of illness. He was lucky enough to be matched with one of his brothers and received stem cell donation himself, which prolonged his own life for a number of years.”

Aaron joined the stem cell register after an inspiration school assembly; with the hope he could one day make a difference to someone in need of a transplant. Then a few years later, he received that lifesaving call and was asked to donate his stem cells.

“The donation for me was very straightforward and thankfully I felt no ill effects from it. I was fascinated to see how the whole process worked from start to finish.

I would encourage everyone who can to get registered, it’s a simple cheek swab which takes less than a minute and you could get the call just like I did, to say you have been match and can give someone the gift of a better life.”

A big thank you to Aaron for donating his stem cells to help a total stranger.

Do you know a school or college who could help us run a recruitment event and teach more 16-18-year-olds about the importance of donating stem cells? Tag them in the comments below and help us spread the word!

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